The Panthers have the 28th overall pick, but the NFC South champions have a variety of needs after getting hit hard in free agency, and could go in a number of directions with their first-round pick.

General manager Dave Gettleman says wide receiver, offensive tackle and cornerback are among the team's top needs, although he's quick to add the Panthers won't reach for a player because of need.

Gettleman says he has some reservations about drafting a receiver in the first round because it often takes them longer to assimilate to the NFL game than those who play other positions.

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